Chicken Chow Mein is a delightful and savory dish that brings the taste of Asian cuisine right to your table. This recipe features tender chicken breast slices stir-fried with a medley of crisp vegetables and crispy chow mein noodles. It’s tossed in a flavorful sauce that elevates the overall experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, Chicken Chow Mein offers a quick yet satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Chicken Chow Mein can be ready in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a rich flavor profile that will please your taste buds.
- Versatile: Customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins for a personalized touch.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies and lean chicken, this recipe provides a nutritious meal option.
- Family Favorite: With its delicious flavors and appealing presentation, Chicken Chow Mein is sure to become a household favorite.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having the right equipment on hand will help you prepare this dish seamlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok or large skillet: Provides ample space for stir-frying ingredients evenly while allowing for high heat cooking.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and precise slicing of chicken and vegetables, enhancing your prep time efficiency.
- Spatula: A sturdy spatula helps toss ingredients without breaking them apart, ensuring even cooking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts, thinly sliced
For the Noodles and Vegetables
- 2 cups crispy chow mein noodles
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
How to Make Chicken Chow Mein
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Slice the chicken breasts thinly and julienne the carrots. Shred the cabbage and chop the green onions.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a wok or large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
1. Add the sliced chicken to the pan.
2. Stir-fry until cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry Vegetables
In the same pan, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
1. Add shredded cabbage and julienned carrots.
2. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with vegetables.
1. Add crispy chow mein noodles.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Pour this mixture over the chicken and veggies.
Step 5: Final Toss
Stir everything together over medium heat until well combined and heated through (about 3–5 minutes). Serve immediately for a delicious Chicken Chow Mein experience!
How to Serve Chicken Chow Mein
Serving Chicken Chow Mein can elevate your dining experience, whether it’s a family meal or a casual get-together with friends. Here are some suggestions on how to present this delightful dish.
With Fresh Garnishes
- Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: Add toasted sesame seeds for a nice crunch and nutty taste.
Accompanied by Dipping Sauces
- Soy Sauce: A classic pairing that enhances the salty flavors.
- Chili Oil: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, drizzle chili oil on top.
Served Over Rice
- Jasmine Rice: Place Chicken Chow Mein over jasmine rice for a filling meal.
- Brown Rice: A healthier option that adds nutty flavors and extra fiber.
With a Side Salad
- Garden Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens complements the savory dish well.
- Cucumber Salad: This refreshing side balances the rich flavors of Chicken Chow Mein.
How to Perfect Chicken Chow Mein
To make your Chicken Chow Mein truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure you achieve delicious results every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
- Cook Noodles Separately: Boil the chow mein noodles separately to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Stir-Fry Quickly: Keep the heat high and stir-fry quickly to maintain the crispness of vegetables.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to lighten it up.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for more color and nutrients.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes can enhance the flavors as they meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Chow Mein
Pairing your Chicken Chow Mein with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables make a perfect appetizer.
- Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with meat or veggies add an extra layer of flavor.
- Egg Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice with eggs is a classic match that everyone loves.
- Wonton Soup: A light wonton soup offers warmth and depth to your meal.
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy: This simple side provides both nutrition and crunch, balancing out the main dish.
- Hot and Sour Soup: Spicy and tangy, this soup is great for adding complexity to your dinner spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chicken Chow Mein can be simple, but there are common mistakes to avoid for the best results. Here are some tips to help you succeed.
- Skipping the marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can result in bland flavor. Use a mixture of soy sauce and ginger for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
- Overcrowding the pan: Adding too much chicken or vegetables at once can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying. Cook in batches for a nice sear.
- Using stale noodles: Using old or soggy chow mein noodles will ruin the texture. Ensure your noodles are fresh and crispy before use.
- Neglecting to prep ingredients: Not having everything chopped and ready can slow you down. Take time to prep all ingredients beforehand for a smooth cooking process.
- Ignoring heat levels: Cooking on low heat won’t achieve that perfect stir-fry texture. Use high heat for quick cooking and vibrant flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Chicken Chow Mein in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chicken Chow Mein
- Freeze Chicken Chow Mein in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be stored for up to 2 months; ensure it is well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Chicken Chow Mein
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Chow Mein?
Chicken Chow Mein is a popular Chinese dish made with stir-fried chicken, crisp vegetables, and chow mein noodles, all tossed in a savory sauce.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu based on your preference.
Is Chicken Chow Mein healthy?
Chicken Chow Mein can be a healthy meal if made with fresh vegetables and lean chicken. Adjusting sauces can also make it lighter.
How do I make Chicken Chow Mein vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, simply replace chicken with tofu or additional vegetables and ensure sauces are plant-based.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Chow Mein is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. This recipe allows you to customize it based on your taste preferences. Try adding different vegetables or adjusting sauces to create your perfect dish!
Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken Chow Mein is a delightful and savory dish that captures the essence of Asian cuisine in a quick and convenient way. This recipe features tender slices of chicken breast stir-fried with crisp vegetables and crispy chow mein noodles, all tossed in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, Chicken Chow Mein delivers satisfaction with every bite. With its rich flavors from soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, this dish is not only easy to make but also versatile enough to customize according to your preferences. Enjoy this family favorite that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 cups crispy chow mein noodles
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing the chicken and vegetables.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the chicken until cooked through (5–7 minutes) and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant (30 seconds). Add cabbage and carrots; stir-fry until just tender (3–4 minutes).
- Return chicken to the pan along with chow mein noodles.
- Mix sauce ingredients in a bowl and pour over the stir-fried ingredients; toss well for 3–5 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
